They Paved Paradise and Put-up a…Newspaper?! 4/9/07

Legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell has recently vocalized some shrill notes about journalists. “To enjoy my music, you need depth and emotionality. Those two traits are bred out of the white, straight males who control the press.” Journalist Mick Brown probably hit the nail on the head when he said “She’s an industrial strength moaner, complaining that she hasn’t had recognition and has been passed over.” But, at the risk of taking her seriously, isn’t it also possible that the monolithic styles of today’s newspapers, which purport to provide “truth,” sanctify facts, treat opinions as viruses that need to be quarantined, and attempt to project an air of authority are not delivering the information about artists that their readers are seeking? If so, here lies one of the infinite opportunities for specialized news sites on the web — and in her case, one that might attract a valued niche audience for some advertisers (perhaps for Earth Shoes, if not asphalt). (Hat tips: Ann Althouse, Instapundit)